We all know Dawn is kind of the superstar of dish soaps. It cuts through grease like magic, smells clean, and lasts forever.

But sometimes you just want something gentler, more eco-friendly, or maybe you’ve run out and don’t want to run to the store. Whatever the reason, you're in the right place.

There are plenty of other dish soaps out there that clean just as well.

In this post, we’ll show you 7 awesome Dawn dish soap alternatives that can totally handle dish duty without missing a beat.

#1 Seventh Generation Dish Liquid

Seventh Generation is the classic go-to for people trying to clean up their cleaning products.

It’s plant-based, biodegradable, and doesn’t include any dyes or synthetic fragrances. That’s a win right off the bat.

The scent is super mild and pleasant and nothing overpowering. It’s easy on sensitive skin too, which is a big plus if your hands get dry or irritated after doing dishes. It cuts through grease pretty well, though you might need a little more elbow grease for extra grimy stuff.

But hey, it’s not bad for something that’s also kind to the planet.

If you’re just starting out with natural swaps, this is a great Dawn dish soap alternative.

#2 Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap

Mrs. Meyer’s is one of those brands that just smells so good.

The scents are kind of what they’re known for things like basil, lavender, and lemon verbena. They’re made with essential oils, so it feels like aromatherapy while you scrub your plates.

Beyond the scents, this stuff works. It cuts through grease, rinses clean, and doesn’t leave that weird filmy feeling some natural soaps can.

The formula includes plant-derived ingredients and it’s cruelty-free too.

Just a heads-up: if you’re sensitive to fragrance, this one might be a bit much. But if you like your dishwashing experience to be more of a vibe, it’s worth a try.

#3 Ecover Zero Dish Soap

If you’ve got sensitive skin or allergies, Ecover Zero is a good alternative to Dawn dish soap.

It’s completely fragrance-free, dye-free, and dermatologist-tested. You can wash dishes without worrying about irritation or dry hands afterward.

Ecover is also big on sustainability. Their bottles are made from recycled plastic, and the soap itself is plant-based. It doesn’t bubble as much as traditional dish soaps, but it still gets the job done without leaving a greasy film behind.

Sometimes simple really is better.

Also Read: Can You Mix Ammonia And Dish Soap?

#4 Puracy Natural Dish Soap

Puracy has a pretty solid fanbase, and it’s not hard to see why.

It’s plant-based, sulfate-free, and super gentle on your skin, but it still foams up nicely and gets your dishes clean. The bottle’s a bit smaller than some others, but a little goes a long way.

It was actually developed by doctors, which is kind of cool.

And the scent? Subtle and fresh. Think green tea and lime. Light enough to not be annoying, but still leaves your kitchen smelling great. It’s also gentle enough to wash baby bottles or fruits and veggies if you need to. That’s how mild it is.

If you're into minimalist packaging and formulas that feel high-quality, Puracy is a solid pick.

#5 Method Dish Soap

If you like products that look good sitting on your kitchen counter, Method is going to be your favorite. The packaging is sleek, colorful, and refillable.

But aside from looking cute, it works.

Method’s formula is plant-based and biodegradable, and it tackles greasy dishes just as well as Dawn. It also rinses clean without leaving residue, which is a huge plus. And you can find it in lots of fun scents like grapefruit, mint, or sea minerals.

This is the soap for people who want eco-friendly without giving up on style or performance.

It's also one of my favorite Dawn dish soap substitutes.

#6 Castile Soap

Castile soap is one of those old-school, all-purpose products that you can use for pretty much everything, from washing dishes to mopping floors to cleaning your hands.

#7 DIY Dawn Dish Soap Alternative

Sometimes you just want to make your own cleaner using stuff you already have at home. Making a DIY dish soap is simple and surprisingly effective.

All you need is:

1 cup of liquid Castile soap
1 tablespoon of baking soda
10 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil

Mix it all in a squeeze bottle and shake it up. The baking soda helps cut grease, while the essential oil adds a nice scent and a little antibacterial boost. It’s gentle, inexpensive, and you know exactly what’s in it.

You can even tweak the scent or thickness to your liking.

Emergency Substitutes (If You’re Out of Dish Soap)

Let’s say you’re in the middle of cooking dinner, your sink is full of greasy pans, and you realize the bottle’s empty. Don’t panic, there are a few things you can use in a pinch.

You can use a bit of baby shampoo to clean dishes. It’s gentle, lathers well, and won’t harm your skin.

Or mix a spoonful of baking soda with a splash of warm water to make a scrub for stubborn grime. Vinegar is another lifesaver and it cuts through oil and kills germs naturally.

If you’re really desperate, you can use a drop of laundry detergent, but go easy on it. It’s stronger than dish soap, so just use a little and rinse thoroughly.

And if you’ve got lemon juice lying around, that works too. It smells fresh and breaks down grease surprisingly well.

Bottom Line

Dawn might be the go-to for most people, but there are plenty of amazing Dawn dish soap alternatives that do the same job - some even better. From store-bought natural brands to simple DIY mixes, you’ve got tons of options.

If you want something eco-friendly and tough on grease, go for Seventh Generation or Method. If scents make you happy, Mrs. Meyer’s is a winner.

And if you love a good DIY project, making your own dish soap is easy, cheap, and satisfying.

At the end of the day, clean dishes are clean dishes. You don’t need a big blue bottle to make that happen. Try one of these swaps next time and see how it fits your routine.

7 Great Dawn Dish Soap Alternatives